Kenya Reports Third Mpox Case, Steps Up Border Surveillance to Prevent Outbreak

• Aug 30, 2024

Kenya’s Ministry of Health has confirmed a third case of mpox, a highly infectious viral disease, as the government intensifies monitoring efforts at borders to prevent widespread transmission. The latest case was detected in a 30-year-old woman in Nairobi, who had recently traveled to neighboring Uganda. The patient is currently in stable condition and is receiving treatment in an isolation unit in the capital.

The Director-General for Health, Patrick Amoth, made the announcement on Friday, emphasizing the importance of ongoing vigilance. He reassured the public that Kenya's health authorities are actively monitoring for suspected mpox cases across the country to prevent further spread of the disease, which is known to cause skin rashes, fever, sore throat, headaches, and swollen lymph nodes. Although treatable with antibiotics, mpox can be fatal if it progresses to severe stages.

Earlier this month, two other cases were reported in Kenya—one in Taita Taveta County, located along the border with Tanzania, and another in Busia County, which shares a border with Uganda. These cases prompted a swift response from health authorities, who have ramped up surveillance efforts at key entry points to catch potential cases early and reduce the risk of an outbreak.

Kenya’s efforts to contain the disease are part of a broader regional concern, as the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remains the epicenter of mpox transmission in Africa. The virus has also spread to neighboring central African countries, with some cases reported as far south as Southern Africa. In response, Kenya has been proactive in testing and monitoring for the virus. So far, 89 samples have been tested, with 79 coming back negative, three positive, and seven still under analysis.

In addition to testing, Kenya has screened over 582,000 travelers at 26 designated ports of entry to ensure early detection and containment of the virus. Seventeen individuals identified as close contacts of the infected patients are currently under observation.

Amoth also reported that the second patient diagnosed with mpox has made a full recovery and has been discharged from the hospital. He further assured the public that Kenya’s health facilities are well-prepared to diagnose and manage mpox cases. The government is also exploring options to procure vaccines and therapeutics to better handle the disease.

Kenya reported its first mpox case on July 31, followed by a second on August 23. The confirmation of a third case underscores the importance of heightened vigilance, particularly at borders, to prevent the virus from spreading further within the country.